Spider bite. A rational approach.
BACKGROUND
Spider bite is one of the most common envenomation problems in Australia. Australia is home to two spiders of major medical importance; the Sydney funnel web spider and the redback spider.


OBJECTIVE
This paper describes the features of envenomation and discusses treatment for bites by the Sydney funnel web spider and the redback spider. Bites by other spiders are also discussed, as is the problem of necrotising arachnidism.


CONCLUSIONS
It is hoped that the information contained within this article will be of help to medical practitioners dealing with spiderbite throughout Australia. There is, as yet, a great deal to be learned about spiderbite, particularly necrotising arachnidism.
Hawdon
G M
GM
Australian Venom Research Unit, Cabrini Private Hospital.
Winkel
K D
KD
D000818:Animals; D000997:Antivenins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001315:Australia; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009336:Necrosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D001098:Spider Bites / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013111:Spider Venoms / Q000506:poisoning*; D013112:Spiders / Q000145:classification
D000997:Antivenins; D013111:Spider Venoms